Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Feb 11, 2018 14:31:39 GMT
Hi, I'm still contemplating a valve amp but wonder if there are likely to be any more developments in their design. I have the feeling 'no', (or very small incremental changes). I put this down (in my naive way) to the relative simplicity of designs and that valves/tubes are old technology. Again, excuse my naivety, but I believe the same isn't quite true of SS amps - although they too must soon be struggling to find any new/original/breath-taking break-throughs, (apart from 'audiophile fuses ' etc!)
Am I wrong?
R
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Jan 21, 2018 9:17:29 GMT
How does the fuse make a difference Martin? What can the fuse affect.? Would no fuse be as good as an audiophile fuse? Quite! Don't 'European' make mains leads made without an integrated fuse? If so are there any reports of 'theirs' sounding better than 'ours'?
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Jan 11, 2018 8:29:35 GMT
I have the Schiit Saga (tube pre-amp with remote) and rate it very highly. The outward design is not very inspiring and the on/off switch is at the rear, but otherwise, recommended. R
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Nov 6, 2017 23:06:06 GMT
How are you getting on? What changes did you make? What are the results?
R
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Nov 1, 2017 19:02:51 GMT
Have you looked on the DADA website for their 306 upgrades?
Thet state: 4 x C 6800µF or 4700uF, 50V or 63V for C10 and C11
BW
Richard
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Aug 23, 2017 10:31:40 GMT
I have two questions: 1.Is the Rpi3 better (in sq terms) than the Rpi2?
2. Has anyone tried a 12v 'car-type' battery with a 12V to 5V 'cigar lighter' USB for a RPi3? Thanks
Just a quick observation: My Rpi2 + Allo Boss + Standard RPi PS and running Volumio sounds better than my Rpi3 + Audiophonics DAC + Linear PS running Mo0de. (Different interconnects though).
Richard.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Aug 14, 2017 19:40:07 GMT
Don't most battery packs - over-say 6V - have 'switching circuits' in them similar to the dreaded Wallmarts? Richard.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Aug 14, 2017 19:08:31 GMT
Thanks Paul. I have it powered by a linear PSU - similar to the one Stan recommends.
Richard
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Aug 14, 2017 17:20:44 GMT
The new SEG DAC has been 'burned-in' and I must admit it does sound very good indeed -especially with the Cambridge CXC. BW Richard.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Aug 11, 2017 12:48:37 GMT
Martin!
You've cost me more money...just ordered a SEG.
Now I have a Bushmaster, Linn Mimik CD player, Tisbury pre-amp for sale...(should more than cover the cost of the SEG I hope).
Will report back after burn-in and A/B comparisons.
Richard.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Aug 11, 2017 8:15:35 GMT
Interesting....I 'just' have the Caiman2 (not the SEG). Which of the 3 modes do you recommend?
Is the SEG a worthwhile improvement?
Does anyone know when Stan is going to bring out his latest incarnation?
Richard.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Aug 10, 2017 7:57:18 GMT
Black Ravioli footers... are they really worth it? I have aCambridge + Caiman and agree it's very good, but do these rubber feet really enhance its SQ? What happened to half squash balls instead? Richard.
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Mar 8, 2017 20:52:16 GMT
Just to update... (I'm the OP), I bought a Quad 99 power amp (not the 909); reviews on the 99 seem like hens' teeth. At first it seemed a little more 'muscular' than the 306 but lacked a little sparkle in the upper mid-range.
I've just had the £165 RedHill Audio upgrade done on it and am just running this in. At first, after the mods, it seemed lifeless but is certainly opening up as time progresses. It now sound 'good' but haven't done a new a/b test with the 306.
I'll do this comparison later.
Why did Quad ditch the current-dumping technique for the 99 and then almost immediately re-invent it for the later models? Thanks,
R
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Feb 20, 2017 18:03:09 GMT
Thanks everyone. A Linn Mimik (minus remote) has just sold on eBay for £256, so given the CXC is £350 (£250 a month ago!) there's not a lot in it. I'm looking on Ebay at present and there are two up for grabs. The Mimik is good but spare parts are now unobtainable. I hear TEAC units make good CD transports but a warranty and the availability of spare parts is a bonus.
I think a loan of a CXC could be in order...
Yours,
r
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Feb 20, 2017 9:32:30 GMT
I have upgrade-itis.
Having just upgraded my cartridge to an AT 33PTG and just got a good Quad 99 power amp (although I am split between it and the DADA/RedHill modified Quad 306) - and been pleased with both acquisitions, I've started reading some very good reports of the Cambridge CXC CD transport (no DAC on-board) and wondered if it would be better than my Linn Mimik (which I play through my Beresford DAC, i.e. by-passing the Linn internal DAC)...
I know that in some quarters "the CD is dead", - let's all go over to streaming - (which I do anyway via a Pi + Sabre and Logitech Touch), but in these days of 'alternative facts' and 'fake news' (and 'not listening to experts'), I'm not sure I believe it. Falling sales does not mean a medium is dead in the water.
So, noble experts, is it worth my while selling the (perfectly good) Mimik - albeit a bit long-in-the-tooth these days, and getting a CXC to use with the Beresford?
(I do listen to experts BTW).
Thanks,
Bonky
(Also on Aos)
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Feb 1, 2017 15:02:34 GMT
" They look MUCH better in silver!
Agreed!
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Feb 1, 2017 11:33:30 GMT
Hi, So impressed was I with a modified Quad306 that I looked for a 405-2 model or 606; then I came across this UK maker and distributor of 405 clones at an unbelievable price: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332079392104?ul_noapp=trueOK, the cases look 'industrial' to say the least and I'm not sure that the VU meters are really needed but the build quality and customer reviews look appealing. He also does preamps and other power amps. Does anyone have any knowledge/experience of these? Usual disclaimers. Thanks,
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Jan 26, 2017 18:46:02 GMT
Thanks everyone; very interesting! I'll look for a 520f - but they seem like Hens' teeth at present.
Are the Net power board replacements similar to the ones that RedHill Audio do? (http://redhillaudio.co.uk/dual-mono-psu-with-15,000uf-63v-mundorf-capacitors)
BW
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Jan 25, 2017 17:56:33 GMT
Hi,
Up to a few months ago I was really happy with my Sugden A21a and Living Voice Auditoriums (IbX-R2). ("A match made in Heaven").
Then, on advice I bought a quad 306. I applied the Dada upgrades and RedHill also 'breathed' on it, much to my satisfaction.
The speakers can handle 100Watts and are very efficient (94dB....). 6 Ohms.
I even think that I prefer the quad sound and wondered if another quad amp would improve the SQ? I'm looking at the 405-2 but would really like a 606-2. Some even reckon that the 303 is a very good amp.
Budget IS a consideration - but I would be looking to upgrade the Caps and PS anyway (unless already done).
Any advice/recommendations gratefully received. Thanks
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Bonky
Rank: Trio
Posts: 156
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Post by Bonky on Jan 23, 2017 17:12:27 GMT
I'm thinking of buying a Quad 405-2 ( I already use a 306 and wondered if I would be able to hear an improvement in sq ....but I can see that would need a new topic...but all comments still welcome!)
Anyway, I was looking at the circuit diagram for the two output boards and each has a 4 amp fuse in the signal path. Now IF audiophile fuses are going to make a difference then I could understand them making a difference in this situation.
Has anyone tried this mod in a Quad or any other amp, and where can I get audiophile four amp fuses from? The usual sources are either 3, 5 or 13.
Thanks.
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